Top Fall Decorating Tips

Betsy Helmuth, owner of Affordable Interior Design in Dobbs Ferry, author of Big Design, Small Budget, and host of a podcast by the same name, gives us her favorite decorating tips to usher in fall.

Bring the Outdoors In

Clear the pillows from your patio and bring them into your living room. Outdoor pillows are more stain-resistant and kid-/pet-friendly than indoor-only options. Bring your garden stool into the den to use as an accent table for a beverage or book. An all-weather rug is great in high-traffic areas, like an entry or mudroom.

Trim It With Twine

A ball of twine is fall decorating’s BFF. Wind it around a glass votive holder. Tie it around your toss pillows and finish with a bow. Create a garland with leaves from your yard or artificial ones from a craft store to swag throughout your space.

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Buy a New Blanket

I am not a fan of buying all new décor for each season; it’s too expensive and time-consuming. However, every fall I do invest in at least one new chunky throw blanket — my favorite ones are the oversized options at Pottery Barn. I always have one draped on my side chair and one over the back of my sectional. They are invitations to cozy up on chilly fall nights.

Fall’s Must-Have: A Tub

What can’t you do with a galvanized tub? I have two bopping around my house doing multiple duties on any given day. Pick one up at Home Depot or World Market. Place it next to your entryway to hold the day’s newspaper. Put one by the sofa and fill it with extra pillows. Then use it to chill cider at your Indian-summer barbecue.